Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 10, 2026

Purpose: The Cabinet will be asked to consider adoption of the new Post-16 SEND travel policy, proceed with the new practice for negotiating and procuring transport contracts, and adoption of the new STAR transport open framework to replace the outgoing DPS.

Content: The Cabinet has considered a report detailing the results of the recent consultation on proposed changes to the post-16 SEND transport policy and how contracts are negotiated and has agreed to delegate to the Director for Education, Work and Skills, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, authority to:-   (1) Implement the new post-16 transport policy and practice from September 2026.   (2) Implement the new procedure of assessing and renegotiating of contracts with immediate effect.   (3) Adopt the new STAR Open Framework on 1 April 2026.

Alternative options considered: The alternative option in this situation would be to do nothing and continue as is, however, this would mean that the SEND transport service costs are likely to keep increasing and the DPS framework would expire, leaving us open to higher costs.